Cook County Community Recovery Initiative

Cook County, Illinois sent this bulletin at 05/20/2020 02:08 PM CDT

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Cook County Government - Toni Preckwinkle - Cook County Board President

Bureau of Economic Development | May 20, 2020

Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle unveils County's COVID-19 Response Plan for equitable recovery

Speaking at Chicago's City Club virtual event, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle unveiled the Cook County COVID-19 Response Plan: From Rapid Response to Equitable Recovery. The plan documents Cook County's initial response to the crisis and outlines priorities for the next several months. In a continuation of the County's commitment to advancing racial equity, the plan addresses exacerbating inequities during the pandemic. As part of her remarks, President Preckwinkle spoke about the economic relief outlined in the Community Recovery Initiative.

Read the press release here.

Community Recovery Initiative Website.

View video of City Club speech with President Preckwinkle.

Find out more about the Cook County COVID-19 Response Plan: From Rapid Response to Equitable Recovery - Overview - Full Plan

Don't Miss Your Chance!

Protection Program funding still available

There's still time to qualify for the Paycheck Protection Program. Money is still available! If you are a small business, nonprofit, gig worker, or church interested in applying for this program, managed by the Small Business Administration, there is still time.

Resources below:

Additionally, the Small Business Administration is providing the Paycheck Protection Program and related materials in 17 languages other than English to help small business owners recover due to the unprecedented economic disruption caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. More information will be translated and posted periodically: Learn More.

Illinois Worknet Virtual Job Fair

Sign up today!

Do you have job openings? Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's Office of Employment and Training Illinois workNet is launching a new, online website platform created to attract and remotely connect employers seeking qualified applicants with job seekers looking for long-term employment. The Illinois workNet® platform is a proven technology that connects workforce and economic allies with seamless and real-time access to workforce development resources aimed at individuals, employers, and workforce/education partners throughout the state to innovate, collaborate, expand and grow.

Employers are looking for a free and easy way to advertise and connect remotely with qualified job applicants and schedule a personalized web-based presentation/job fair event to connect and fill job openings. Email us to sign up today!

Funds for Innovation and COVID19 Recovery

In a highly competitive market that is fueled by technological advancements, small and mid-sized manufacturers need to act now to remain relevant. The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center's Innovation Voucher Program will award up to $25,000 in match funding to:

Accelerate Technology Adaption
Identify and Implement Productivity Improvements
Overcome Organizational Growth Barriers
Voucher projects must be conducted in Illinois is for existing Illinois manufacturers with between 5 and 500 employees. Projects are expected to be practical and focus on productivity improvements and product development that lead to innovation and measurable gains. For additional information, email: InnovationVouchers@imec.org .

The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership is helping connect companies to Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds available for businesses and nonprofits for lay off aversion funding, the available funds which can cover:

Cleaning Sanitation Services
Computer Software and Hardware (Computers
Call Center / Remote Work Environment
Cross-Functional and Transitional Training
Production of Essential Goods and Services Needed to Support COVID-19 Response
Industry Sector Strategy Partnership COVID-19 Response Activities
For more information, contact David Swanson, Business Relations Specialist at The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership.

Find out more about the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership.

Events

Resources and Seminars

The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center recently published the Illinois Manufacturer Return to Work & Recovery Guide and are continuing their webinar series with partners Cook County/Chicago Metro Metal Consortium.CMMC. All of the webinars begin at 11:30 am, register here:

May 21 Reputation Management in 2020: Tough Times, Good Companies
May 26 Reinventing the Supply Chain

Read the Illinois Manufacturer Return to Work & Recovery Guide.

Find out more about the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center.

Census 2020 - What You Can do this Week

The Asian American and Pacific Islander communities must be counted in the #2020Census. Watch this video from @AAAJ_AAJC that covers just how important it is to be counted. Then head to 2020Census.gov to count yourself in today. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=632570710640433 #ILCountMeIn2020 #MakeILCount #CookCountyCensus #BeCounted #Census2020
Make sure your entire family-older adults, young children, and everyone in between-knows how important it is to be counted in the 2020 Census! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L56vzfCncKM #ILCountMeIn2020 #MakeILCount #CookCountyCensus #BeCounted #Census2020
It's #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth! Mental health services are critical for EVERYONE, regardless of zip code. Want to help get enough funding for mental health services in your community? Head to 2020Census.gov to fill out your Census today. #ILCountMeIn2020 #MakeILCount #CookCountyCensus #BeCounted #Census2020

Share the statewide texting platform for Census questions using this image: You have questions? We have answers! Text your Census questions to 987-987 to receive clear and accurate information about the Census today! #MakeILCount #CookCountyCensus #BeCounted #Census2020.

As a reminder, all County census graphics can be found here.

In Case You Missed It

Cook County announces property tax relief for County property owners. Read the full press release.
Cook County Community Recovery Initiative’s Technical Assistance partner American Business Immigration Coalition’s executive director Rebecca Shi appeared on the Rick Pearson's show the Sunday Spin at 6:30 pm talking about the Payroll Protection Plan. The discussion highlighted the efforts to support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the County's Technical Assistance partnership, $4.5M Payroll Protection Plan approved for 142 small businesses of color in suburban cook, avg loan $32K, for barbershops, nail salons, daycare centers, restaurants, mom and pops.